Parts needed for Intro Physical Computing

Note that there are some parts available in the physical computing lab cabinet. This cabinet is not meant as a constant supply for physical computing students. It is a place to get things the first time, so you know what they look like before you have to order them online. If you need a last-minute LED or regulator and there's one available, it's okay to take it, but please don't hoard parts from this cabinet, and please don't count on it as your main source for parts.

PIC 18F452 Microprocessor

You can buy this at the NYU Computer Store. Tell them at the cash register you're from the physical computing class at ITP, and need a PIC 18F452. It's also available from Microchip or Digikey via mail order too.

Prototyping board:

This is what you assemble your circuits on. There are two boards that are popular in the class, one from Jameco and one from Radio Shack. Personally, I prefer the Jameco version, because I like having two rows of bus holes. The NYU computer store sells the Jameco boards as well. I recommend these boards over the Radio Shack boards, but either will do.

• Radio Shack 6" board, part no. 276-174 (1 bus row per side)
• Jameco 6" board, part no. 20722 (2 bus rows per side)

Project Box (to fit prototyping board)

This is a box to protect your project. It fits your prototyping board, and you knock holes in it for your cables to come out of. There are many options, best to pick one that your breadboard fits inside of comfortably, with room for electronic components to stick out. Tupperware with holes in it works quite well (called a "milmoe box" at ITP, in honor or Andrew Milmoe, who perfected the technique following a horrible sandwich disaster).

• Radio Shack RSU11907656
• Multiple Jameco options such as Jameco 18905

DC power supply (5-9V DC and 700-1500mA)

• Radio Shack 273-1758 (6V 800mA)
• Radio Shack 273-1667 (3-12V, 800mA)
• Multiple Jameco options such as:
• Jameco 170245 (12V, 1000mA) Available at the NYU computer store.

5V DC Voltage Regulator (7805 regulator) You can get this at Radio Shack, or Jameco (51262). There are also some available for use in the lab.

Clock Crystal this provides the timing for your PIC. Not needed for the BX-24. Available at the bookstore too. Use a 4MHz model.

• Jameco: 137832
• not available at Radio Shack

Standoffs there are some available for use in the lab. Jameco carries these too.

Power supply connector

This is a connector to connect your power supply to your board. You should get the one that mates with whatever power supply you buy.

• Radio Shack Cat. no. 910-0908 mates with 2.1mm x 5.5mm female connectors
• Jameco 159610 mates with 2.1mm x 5.5mm female connectors.

Servomotor: the Hobbico cs-61servomotor is available at the NYU computer store.

Cable Ties available in the lab

22pF Capacitors available in the computer store

• Jameco: 15405

1K Ohm Resistors, 1/4 watt available in the lab

10K Ohm Resistors, 1/4 watt available in the lab

220 Ohm Resistors, 1/4 watt available in the lab

22K Ohm resistors, 1/4 watt available in the lab

LED's available in the lab

Switch find a store-bought one, or better yet, make your own

Variable resistor find a store-bought one, or better yet, make your own. The NYU computer store carries Flex sensors, which are good fun.

Serial cable: 9-pin serial cable, available at the NYU Computer store. You'll need one of these for both programming and later, for serial communication.

9-pin D-sub female connector:

• Jameco 15780,
• Radio Shack 276-1538

Tools:

• miniature Philips/flathead screwdriver, Jameco 127271
• 5" Diagonal Wire Cutter, Jameco 161411
• Wire stripper, 22-30 AWG, Jameco 159290
• Flat needlenose pliers, Jameco 35473
• Drillbits. These sizes are the ones you'll need most often for wood, plastic, and thin metal. Most hardware stores will carry them for less than a dollar each.
  • 7/64"
  • 1/8"
  • 5/16"
  • 1/4"

See the Tools list for more advanced tools.

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For convenience, the NYU computer store carries a starter kit for physical computing that contains most of these parts.